Dallas Jury Finds Comparative Negligence in Collision, Awards $9,281
One driver was attempting to turn left onto a street when they collided with another vehicle traveling eastbound. The eastbound driver claimed multiple injuries. The jury found the turning driver negligent and partially at fault for the collision.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $12,375
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Back and Neck, Soft Tissue, Arm
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $12,375 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On May 13, 2015, a collision occurred on Illinois Avenue in Dallas. The plaintiff, a 30-year-old cabinetmaker, was driving an eastbound pickup truck in the middle lane. The defendant driver, in an SUV, was facing south in a driveway with a stop sign and attempted a left turn onto Illinois Avenue. The defendant driver's passenger side collided with the plaintiff's left rear corner. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained multiple injuries.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant driver, alleging negligent failure to yield the right of way, an unsafe left turn, and failure to maintain a proper lookout. A claim against the vehicle owner for negligent entrustment was later nonsuited. The plaintiff contended the defendant driver entered the plaintiff's lane during the turn, a version supported by the police report. The defendant driver acknowledged the plaintiff had the right of way but argued he had completed the turn and was established in the left eastbound lane when the collision occurred. The defendant driver testified he stopped at the stop sign and checked for traffic, stating the plaintiff's vehicle was "a long way off" when first seen. The plaintiff sought damages for disc bulges and pain in the neck, arm, leg, and shoulders, with claimed medical bills totaling over $15,000. The defense highlighted inconsistencies in the plaintiff's testimony regarding pain onset and its relation to other events, questioning the necessity of all treatments.
After a one-day trial and 2.25 hours of deliberation, the jury in Dallas found both parties negligent. The jury assigned 75 percent comparative responsibility to the defendant driver and 25 percent to the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $12,375 for past medical costs and past physical impairment. Due to comparative fault, the final awarded damages were reduced to $9,281.25. The plaintiff reportedly plans to file a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict regarding both liability and damages.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome aligns very well with similar cases
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